Talking to Parents

About Infant Vaccines

Parents consider you their most trusted source of information when it comes to vaccines. When talking to parents about vaccines, 

make a strong, effective recommendation and allow time for parents to ask questions. Hearing your answers to their questions 

can help parents feel more confident vaccinating their child according to CDC’s recommended immunization schedule.

Are vaccines safe

for my child?

Yes. Millions of children safely 

receive vaccines each year. The 

U.S. has a long-standing vaccine 

safety system that ensures 

vaccines are as safe as possible. 

Is there a link between 

vaccines and autism?

No. Many people want answers 

about the causes of autism — 

including me. But well designed 

and conducted studies that I can 

share with you show that MMR 

vaccine is not a cause of autism. 

Can vaccines overload my 

baby’s immune system?

No. Vaccines help babies fight 

infections by introducing a small 

number of antigens into their 

bodies. Antigens are parts of 

germs that cause babies’ immune 

systems to go to work. Vaccines 

contain only a tiny fraction of the 

antigens that babies encounter 

in their environment every day.

Why do vaccines

start so early?

We vaccinate children early 

because they are susceptible to 

diseases at a young age. Young 

children also have the highest risks 

of complications that could lead to 

hospitalization or death.

Don’t infants have natural 

immunity? Isn’t natural 

immunity better than the 

kind from vaccines? 

Babies may get some temporary 

immunity from mom during 

pregnancy, but these antibodies 

do not last long, leaving your baby 

vulnerable to disease if you don’t 

vaccinate him/her.

What do you think of 

delaying some vaccines 

or following a nonstandard schedule? 

There is no data to support that 

spacing out vaccines offers safe 

or effective protection from these 

diseases. Any time you delay a 

vaccine, you leave your baby 

vulnerable to disease. It’s really 

best to stay on schedule.

Do I have to vaccinate

my baby on schedule if 

I’m breastfeeding him?

Yes. Breast milk provides important 

protection from some infections 

as your baby’s immune system is 

developing, but breast milk does 

not protect children against all 

diseases.

Why are so many doses 

needed for each vaccine? 

Getting every dose of each 

vaccine provides your child with 

the best protection. Depending 

on the vaccine, he/she may need 

more than one dose to build high 

enough immunity to prevent 

disease or to boost immunity that 

fades over time.

My child is sick right now. 

Is it okay for her to

still get shots? 

Tell me what’s going on. Usually, 

children can get vaccinated even if 

they have a mild illness like a cold, 

earache, mild fever, or diarrhea.

What are the side effects 

of the vaccines?

Most vaccine side effects are very 

minor, like soreness where the shot 

was given, fussiness, or a low-grade 

fever. These typically only last a 

couple of days and are treatable. 

Serious reactions are very rare. 

If your child experiences any 

reactions that concern you, call us. 

For more information, visit

cdc.gov/vaccines/conversations Last updated JULY 2019